I Have Plenty Of Black Friends: The Black Folk Who Used To Rock With Paula Deen

I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that frequently, when people are accused of racism, they always reference all of the “black friends” in their arsenal. Paula has already said she’s cool with the darkies African Americans and we’re sure if she had to name names these folks would probably come up in conversation.

Source: Oprah.com

Oprah

Everyone knows that Paula and Oprah have been pretty close over the years. As an entrepreneur Paula has an interesting story. So naturally, Oprah has interviewed her on the talk show, for “Next Chapter,” and O Magazine. But ever since things went left with Paula’s language and behavior, Oprah has been mum on Ms. Deen. Many have been wondering and even expecting Oprah to speak out about the incident. But I don’t know what Oprah could say to make it better.

Source: Fox & Friends

Ama’re Stoudemire

Ama’re and Paula weren’t exactly cool but that didn’t keep them from being chummy on the set of “Fox & Friends” back in 2011. Stoudemire was there promoting his new sneaker and Paula was there promoting her new cookbook “Paula’s Southern Cooking Bible.” We’re wondering if he picked up on any shady vibes from their brief interaction.

Viola Davis

(Sorry for the tiny image– but I wanted proof.) When The Help was all the rage Viola Davis and her fellow costar visited Paula Deen on her show for her episode “Keepin It Southern.” While there Paula and the movie stars cooked spicy fried chicken, southern collards with cornmeal dumplings. It would be interesting to have Viola weigh in on the whole Paula controversy.

Michelle Obama

When Barack and Michelle were still on the campaign trail, Michelle stopped by Paula Deen’s show to do an interview and cook fried shrimp. The exchange between the two seemed genuine and really quite sweet. She seemed genuinely happy to see and talk to Michelle Obama. That was back in 2008. In 2011, when Obamas had settled into the White House and Michelle started championing healthy eating, Paula came out and spoke to the Washington Examiner about how much Michelle ate during the commercial breaks.

‘You know what their favorite foods are — it’s hot wings, you know, those kinds of foods that are not necessarily top-of-the-list healthy foods, so she’s no different than the rest of us.

‘We love those kinds of foods, we just know that we can’t eat them everyday.’

Pat Neely

In case you don’t know Pat Neely is one half of the cooking duo featured on Food Network’s “Down Home with the Neelys” with his wife Gina. Actually, Paula was the woman who helped the Neelys get their show on the Food Network. Despite the hookup, Pat released this statement detailing his thoughts on the recent controversy.

“We were shocked and saddened to learn of the comments from Paula Deen. Racism of any kind from anyone is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated…In our own relationship, Paula has shown us kindness and generosity. We trust that Paula’s apologies are sincere and hope there is a positive lesson to be learned from this situation.”

Source: ABC

Carla Hall

Naturally, as a fellow chef Paula would have crossed path with Carla Hall. Initially the two ran into each other when Carla was competing on “Top Chef.” Carla made some hush puppies and Paula said they tasted like spit. Carla has since had Paula on “The Chew” where she redeemed herself.

Image Source: WENN.com

Al Sharpton

Heaven only knows if the paths of these two have ever crossed. But Al shocked some folks when it appeared that he was coming to Deen’s defense in light of the recent controversy. It wasn’t so much that Sharpton was defending her but more questioning whether her use of the N word was recent or something she frequently said in the past. If you haven’t heard his comments, check them out here. If Paula needs a black person in her corner, maybe Sharpton is her man.

Source: Facebook

Aaron McCargo Jr.

Aaron McCargo is the chef who won season 4 of “The Next Food Network Star.” TMZ reported that on Sunday, he took to his Facebook page to express his support of Paula Deen saying that throughout his career she’s been nothing but a friend to him.

“Paula has always been very helpful and supportive throughout my career, and as her friend I’m saddened to see that she is going through a tough time right now. We are all human and we should never be too quick to judge anyone.”

Nita Jones (aka Jelly Roll)

Surely by now you’ve seen the spoof video of Paula and a black woman named Nita whom she affectionally calls “Jelly Roll.” The video’s called “African American Cooking With Paula Deen” makes fun of Paula’s perceived thoughts. But in reality the two really did cook together and seemed to enjoy one another’s company. Check out the real video below. We’re sure Paula thought about her girl Jelly Roll when she was asserting her innocence. Wonder what Jelly Roll would say about Ms. Deen.

Joe Randall

Just like Paula opened the door for the chefs that came behind her, so did Southern chef Joe Randall. Apparently Randall, who taught Paula a few things when she studied at his Savannah Cooking School. Randall didn’t take kindly to Paula’s comments and TMZ reported that he released this statement.

“I can say that her admitting to using derogatory language and the n-word is very hurtful. You have to understand we’re in the South and some people think that it’s acceptable to use [racist] language from 50 years ago. As a businessman, of course she is welcome in my establishment like any other client would be. I wouldn’t turn her down at all. Although I don’t respect that she used derogatory hateful words … and if she came into my establishment and we were to talk, I would tell her I don’t agree with her words.”

Trending on MadameNoire

Comment Disclaimer: Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

atlasshrugged2u

I’m black and I don’t believe Paula Deen is a racist.This was just all blown up out of proportion and it needsto end lol!

fair and balanced judgement

Plus she has the crazy eye “shudder” cold chills

fair and balanced judgement

Paula dean is losing touch with reality. Her lack of respect for others in general goes back to her diabetes scandal. Hiding the disease, while continuing to promote unhealthy eating habits as well as collecting endorsement money from diabetes drug companies on the side clashes terribly with the careful southern charm image she has cultivated during her career. Bolo for her to make this kind of move again in the future. A persons upbringing should never be used as a lifelong crutch, whether they were conditioned as a victim or to believe that they have a right to entitlement based on their looks, wealth, connections or personal magnetism. We should respect eachothers personal belief and cultures, but not at the cost of endorsing the basest personalities a person can exhibit.

childofjesusrose

I think Paula is not a hateful racist, after looking at her video when she made biscuits with Nita Jones, she just got “too comfortable” and got carried away that’s why she taught she could be using the “N” word and not get any backlash. I hope everything works out for her.

Caridad Hilaire

LET’S do the same for the famous word “FAT”, and all other racial slurs.Why is Paula Deen crying on television? Is she crying for losing money, fame, and using the word n…. or got caught.She is not the only one, and many use racial slurs in private.

Kenedy

I’m more surprised by all the companies that are coming out of the woodworks just dropping her like flies, Walmart, Target, Nova Nordisk, and a bunch of others…I didn’t know she was a high roller like that

Nonya Bizness

Actually the new “I have B friends” is “I’m not racist. My daughter’s boyfriend is B.” Read it in the comments on a site last week.SMDH

writingmomma46

Paula just wanted “Jelly Roll’s” recipe. They want to take away everything black. From music to hairstyles, to clothing styles, then call you the N-word when they aren’t around you. So sad that we are still dealing with this in 2013.

Researchthentalk…facts

You don’t have to WAIT for the info to come out, it is already there. Just like you took the time out to type a comment, you can look up her DEPOSITION and also her brother Bubba. I read it, ALL 149 pages of HER DEPOSITION, the media is only telling maybe 5%. If u know what she and her brother were actually doing to their employees both black and white, you would NEVER feel sorry for her. It amazes me how ignorant people love to defend people when they don’t know what they are doing 24 HOURS a DAY/7 DAYS a WEEK. Only GOD can see YOU every second of the day. I go by facts, not emotions. Plus, I could NEVER feel sorry for folks who don’t give a damn bought me or my people.

Christopher Wilk

Boycott Paula and her Brother!!!

Lola

For goodness sake, let the woman live. Yes she has made some ignorant comments, but she has apologized and it’s time to move on. Quite frankly, I am more offended by Lil Wayne comparing a sex act to Emmett Till’s murder and stepping on the American flag than I am by this old woman’s lack of awareness. Let’s start calling out some of our ignorance as well.

JustSaying_IMFO

I’m not offended by what she has said/done. But I’m not the one they have been directed at. I’m offended that she is so clueless about how hurtful words and actions can be to other people.

She said in an interveiw today she is who she is and she’s not changing. That’s her choice. No one is keeping her from “living”. She’s free to go on as she likes. At the same time, her sponsors have a right to want to part ways, if for no other reason than to not want to be associated with someone so dumb.

JustSaying_IMFO

I don’t think she is a racist in the sense that she has hatred in her heart for black people. I think she is ignorant. As the last guy in the slideshow said. She is the product of the white South from 50 yrs ago. Oblivious to the unacceptability of the use of racist language.

Now, her brother Bubba, on the other hand…..

scandalous7

i dont think she deserves all that she is getting. But ima wait til all tho info comes out.

JustSaying_IMFO

I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt (for that one time 30 yrs ago with a gun to her head) until that video came out where she is clearly telling a dark skinned man, “Come on over here. We can’t see you against that dark board.”

She may not be a sheet wearing racist, but she is an ignorant one.

JustSaying_IMFO

I was willing to give her thebenefit of the doubt (for that one time 30 yrs ago with a gun to herhead) until that video came out where she is clearly telling a darkskinned man, “Come on over here. We can’t see you against that darkboard.”

She may not be a sheet wearing racist, but she is an ignorant one.She doesn’t know or doesn’t care what is or is not appropriate to say.Perhaps, even do (if she did hold a sl ave plantation theme party).

spookym

If someone said something similar to her or any white person “you’re skin is blinding me, get some sun!” “I can’t see you against that white board!” would that also be racially motivated? There is skin color (frequently taken into consideration when choosing clothing, makeup, etc.) and there is race. Very dark skin against a very dark board would make someone less of a stand out.

JustSaying_IMFO

If an old wh ite woman said it to another wh ite woman, probably not. If a black person said it to a white person, then, yeah, it would be. Regardless, it’s a completely insensitive and inappropriate way to speak to another person.

As for a “Very dark skin against a very dark board”, nice try. I’venever known a dark skinned person to stand against a dark board nu de.

Nonya Bizness

Nope, I’m not giving her a pass because”she’s from the South of 50 yrs ago.” My family came from Ga to Utah longer than 50 yrs ago, and they did NOT use that word,or treat people differently.She’s old enough to know better,ESPECIALLY since she’s from the South.

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